Fang Qingyue's heart moved, and a gentle smile appeared between her eyebrows.
Cheng Qingyuan's arrival did not surprise her, but was something she had expected.
She nodded, stood up and said, "Hurry up and prepare some good food and wine. Qing has come from afar, so we can't neglect him."
Xiao Cui hurriedly retreated and went to the kitchen to prepare.
Fang Qingyue tidied herself up a bit, put on a simple cloak, and walked towards the door.
Outside the courtyard, Cheng Qingyuan was standing under an osmanthus tree, looking down and thinking about something.
Hearing the sound of light footsteps, he looked up and saw Fang Qingyue walking slowly towards him.
She was still as gentle and quiet as ever. Although her face was a little pale, her expression revealed a sense of calmness.
"Qingyue." Cheng Qingyuan walked forward quickly, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and his tone was full of concern.
"How are you?"
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly and said softly, "I'm fine. How about you? You've been traveling all the way here. You must have worked hard."
Cheng Qingyuan looked at her indifferent expression, and felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.
The feelings deep in his heart seemed to surge up in him at these few words, but he suppressed them.
This is not the time to talk about this right now.
"I'm fine, Qingyue. It's just..."
He paused, and finally asked the question that concerned him most, "Shen Yuhan...did he give you any trouble?"
A hint of worry flashed across Fang Qingyue's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She softly replied, "Shen Yuhan didn't embarrass me."
"It's just that he's in a bit of a difficult situation right now, and the events at court have far-reaching implications. I don't want you to be drawn into these disputes."
She paused, her expression becoming more serious, and continued, "This time, the official arrangement may be slightly delayed."
"However, there will be an imperial examination in the capital in five or six days. I know you are very talented, so why not take this opportunity to try your luck?"
Cheng Qingyuan frowned slightly, clearly hesitant about the proposal: "Qingyue, do you mean for me to pass the imperial examination and become an official?"
Fang Qingyue looked at him, her eyes revealing gentle determination: "Mr. Cheng, you have considered the imperial examination before. The situation in the capital is complicated now. If you can pass the imperial examination, you will have more chips to enter the officialdom."
"You have talent and should not be buried here."
Cheng Qingyuan was silent for a while, his eyes fell on her face, and complex emotions surged in his heart.
Fang Qingyue thought about him and planned everything for him, but he also knew that her heart did not belong to him.
All this was just because she thought they were friends.
"Qingyue, I will listen to you."
He nodded slowly, his tone firm, but his eyes still revealed a hint of reluctance, "You have arranged so much for my future, I can't let you down."
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly and said softly: "This is not my expectation, but your own path."
"You have the ability to go further, I am just guiding you along the way."
Cheng Qingyuan felt a dull pain in his heart. He knew that no matter how much he did for her, he could not change her decision.
The food was placed on the table, and Fang Qingyue personally poured wine for him. Although her movements were slow, they were accompanied by her usual composure.
Cheng Qingyuan took it silently, but a sense of uncontrollable loneliness welled up in his heart.
"Qingyue, don't worry, I will do my best to protect you no matter what."
He whispered, with an indescribable persistence in his voice.
Fang Qingyue nodded slightly with a gentle smile on her face, but did not respond to his words.
Fang Qingyue slowly poured wine for Cheng Qingyuan, her eyes as clear and calm as water.
After dinner, the sky gradually darkened and the mansion became quiet, with only the low chirping of autumn insects coming from the distance.
Fang Qingyue stood up and waved her hand gently, signaling Xiao Cui to lead the prepared room to Cheng Qingyuan.
Cheng Qingyuan had a hard time traveling, and since he was preparing for the exam, he needed a quiet place to rest and review.
"Xiao Cui, take Master Cheng to the side room to rest."
Fang Qingyue said softly, her tone still gentle, but with a hint of unquestionable calmness.
Although Cheng Qingyuan was a little surprised, he still bowed and thanked: "Thank you Qingyue for the arrangement."
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly: "There's no need to be polite between you and me. The environment here is quiet and peaceful, just right for you to study in peace."
"The imperial examination is approaching, and we must give it our all to live up to expectations."
Cheng Qingyuan's heart moved slightly. The Qingyue in front of him seemed extremely gentle, but always maintained that unattainable distance.
He knew very well that she cared about him, but no matter what.
This care is ultimately measured, and there always seems to be an invisible barrier between hearts.
Cheng Qingyuan followed Xiao Cui out of the dining room. Fang Qingyue stood at the door, watching his back as he walked away.
She gently covered her slightly bulging belly, looked down at the bluestone ground beneath her feet, her mind full of mixed thoughts.
Cheng Qingyuan's trip to Beijing was the future she had planned for him.
But she knew better than anyone that Cheng Qingyuan's future should not be bound by her emotions.
At the same time, Shen Yuhan was confined in the study and could not enter or leave at will.
But no matter how big or small the affairs in the mansion were, they could not escape his eyes and ears.
"My Lord, Miss Fang entertained a guest today. That guest..."
"It seems his name is Cheng Qingyuan, and he has been placed in a wing room in the mansion."
The attendant stood beside Shen Yuhan and reported carefully.
Shen Yuhan's face suddenly turned gloomy, and the fingers holding the pen tightened slightly, and the joints made a slight sound.
Cheng Qingyuan, he was not unfamiliar with this name.
He was Fang Qingyue's old friend, and the man who had once silently guarded and taken care of her.
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